Turning 16 unlocks major job opportunities. We compiled 50+ companies that hire 16-year-olds in 2026, including Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more, with current pay rates and positions.
Summary: What You'll Learn
- Top employers: Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Costco, Chick-fil-A
- Expected pay: $12-$22/hour
- No federal hour restrictions at 16
- Highest paying: In-N-Out ($18-$22/hr), Costco ($17-$20/hr), Trader Joe's ($16-$20/hr)
Related pages: Walmart Hiring Process | Target Hiring Process | Costco Jobs
Why 16 Is the Magic Number
At 16, your job prospects dramatically improve:
Major Retailers Hiring at 16
These major retailers all hire at 16 with competitive pay:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Cashier, Cart Attendant, Stocker | $14-$19/hr | 10% discount, education benefits. Hiring process |
| Target | Cashier, Sales Floor, Cart Attendant | $15-$18/hr | 10% discount, flexible scheduling. Hiring process |
| Best Buy | Sales Associate | $15-$18/hr | Employee discount |
| Kohl's | Sales Associate, Stock | $12-$15/hr | Store discount |
| TJ Maxx/Marshalls | Retail Associate | $12-$15/hr | Store discount |
| Old Navy | Sales Associate | $12-$15/hr | 50% discount |
| Foot Locker | Sales Associate | $12-$16/hr | Shoe discount |
Coffee Shops & Cafes
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Barista | $15-$18/hr | Free drinks, tips, tuition coverage. Hiring process |
| Dunkin' | Crew Member | $12-$15/hr | Free drinks, flexible hours |
| Dutch Bros | Broista | $14-$17/hr + tips | High tip potential |
| Peet's Coffee | Barista | $15-$17/hr | Free coffee |
Highest Paying Jobs for 16 Year Olds
Here are the top 10 best-paying jobs for 16 year olds in 2026:
| Rank | Company | Position | Pay Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In-N-Out Burger | Associate | $18-$22/hr |
| 2 | Costco | Front End | $17-$20/hr |
| 3 | Trader Joe's | Crew Member | $16-$20/hr |
| 4 | Whole Foods | Team Member | $16-$19/hr |
| 5 | Starbucks | Barista | $15-$18/hr + tips |
| 6 | Shake Shack | Team Member | $15-$18/hr |
| 7 | Target | Team Member | $15-$18/hr |
| 8 | Chipotle | Crew Member | $14-$17/hr |
| 9 | Five Guys | Crew Member | $13-$16/hr |
| 10 | Panda Express | Kitchen Team | $14-$17/hr |
Grocery Stores (Best Benefits)
Grocery stores offer great pay and long-term career potential:
| Company | Positions | Starting Pay | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Front End Assistant | $17-$20/hr | Highest grocery pay. Hiring process |
| Trader Joe's | Crew Member | $16-$20/hr | Great culture, benefits |
| Whole Foods | Team Member | $16-$19/hr | Amazon discount. Hiring process |
| Aldi | Store Associate | $15-$18/hr | Fast-paced |
| Kroger | All positions | $12-$16/hr | Union stores. Hiring process |
| Publix | All positions | $13-$16/hr | Profit sharing. Hiring process |
Work Rules for 16 Year Olds
Federal Law (FLSA)
At 16, federal hour restrictions are lifted for non-hazardous work:
- No limit on hours per day
- No limit on hours per week
- No restrictions on work times
What 16 Year Olds Still Cannot Do
Even at 16, federal law prohibits:
- Driving as a primary job duty
- Operating power-driven meat slicers
- Operating bakery machinery
- Operating paper balers or compactors
- Roofing or excavation work
- Mining operations
- Manufacturing explosives
Best Companies by Category
Best Overall: Costco, Trader Joe's, In-N-Out
- Highest pay, best culture, room for advancement
Best for Flexibility: Target, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A
- Accommodating schedules for school
Best for College Savings: Starbucks (tuition), Chipotle (tuition), Target (education benefits)
- Help pay for college
How to Get Hired at 16
Best Times to Apply
- March-April: Summer hiring begins
- August: Back-to-school openings
- October: Holiday seasonal hiring
- Year-round: Fast food, grocery always hiring
What You Need
- Government-issued ID or birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Work permit (if required by state)
- Resume (even a simple one)
- References (teachers, coaches)
FAQ: Jobs for 16 Year Olds
Does Walmart hire at 16?
Yes. Walmart hires 16-year-olds for positions including cashier, cart attendant, and stocker. Starting pay is $14-$19/hour. Some positions require 18+. Learn about the Walmart hiring process and dress code.
Does Target hire 16 year olds?
Yes. Target hires at 16 for cashier, sales floor, and cart attendant positions. Minimum pay is $15/hour. See the Target hiring process and dress code.
Does Starbucks hire at 16?
Yes. Starbucks barista positions are available at 16. Starting pay is $15-$18/hour plus tips. Benefits include free drinks and tuition coverage. See the hiring process and dress code.
Does Costco hire at 16?
Yes, but limited positions. Costco hires at 16 for front-end assistant roles. Starting pay is $17-$20/hour. Most positions require 18+. See the hiring process and dress code.
Does Amazon hire at 16?
No. Amazon warehouse positions require 18+. However, Whole Foods (owned by Amazon) hires at 16 with starting pay of $16-$19/hour.
What is the highest paying job for a 16 year old?
In-N-Out Burger offers the highest fast food pay at $18-$22/hour. Costco and Trader Joe's offer $17-$20/hour in grocery.
Can 16 year olds work full-time?
Federally, yes—16-year-olds can work unlimited hours in non-hazardous jobs. However, many states limit hours during school. Check your state's specific requirements.
Methodology
This article was compiled using the following research methods:
- Direct Source Verification: Career pages of 75+ national employers reviewed.
- Federal Compliance: Age restrictions verified against U.S. Department of Labor FLSA guidelines.
- Pay Data Aggregation: Salary information from Employers.io salary data and company career pages.
Data Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Company career websites
- Employers.io salary data
- Employers.io job listings
Last Verified: February 11, 2026
Summary
At 16, you have access to virtually every major employer:
Top picks by pay:
- In-N-Out ($18-$22/hr)
- Costco ($17-$20/hr)
- Trader Joe's ($16-$20/hr)
Top picks for first job:
- Target (great training, $15+ minimum)
- Starbucks (skills, tuition benefits)
- Chick-fil-A (flexibility, culture)
What to expect: Starting pay of $12-$18/hour, flexible hours, and many employers offer discounts or tuition assistance.
Pro tip: Apply to 2-3 employers you're most interested in. Target high-paying options like Costco or Trader Joe's for maximum earnings, or flexible employers like Target or Chick-fil-A if scheduling around school is priority.